USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Research Precision Agriculture

Position: USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Research Opportunity in Precision Agriculture
Location: New Orleans

USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Research Opportunity in Precision Agriculture

Join to apply for the USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Research Opportunity in Precision Agriculture role at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education.

How to Apply

To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.

Required Documents

• An application
• Transcript(s) – An unofficial transcript or a copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted.  for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
• A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
• Two educational or professional recommendations
• A copy of an abstract or reprint of an article

Organization

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Reference Code

USDA-ARS-SEA-

Final date to receive applications

3/13/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Description

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

ARS Office / Lab and Location

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Agricultural Research Service is the USDA’s chief scientific in‑house research agency with a mission to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table. ARS delivers cutting‑edge scientific tools and innovative solutions for American farmers, producers, industry, and communities to support nourishment and well‑being, sustain agro‑ecosystems and natural resources, and ensure economic competitiveness.

Research

Project

The participant will be exposed to environmental and agricultural research to develop marker‑driven prediction models for precision agriculture. Under the guidance of the mentor, the participant will engage in environmental and agricultural research to help develop AI forecasting models for biotic/abiotic stress response and tolerance. Target applications will include simulation of emerging industry problems and real‑time forecasting of stress tolerance for varietal selection.

Learning

Objectives

Participant will gain laboratory, field, and programming skills to develop a digital twin and other AI models using ground and above‑ground sensors and metabolite analysis.

Mentor

The mentor for this opportunity is Sophie Uchimiya (sophie.uchimiya). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Appointment Details

Anticipated appointment start date:
February 2026 (start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors). Appointment length: initially one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and contingent on the availability of funds. Level of participation: full time.

Stipend

Monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Anticipated range: $70,000 – $80,000 annually.

Citizenship Requirements

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.

ORISE Information

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an inter‑agency agreement between DOE and ARS. Participants do not become employees of USDA, ARS, DOE, or the program administrator, and there are no employment‑related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program.

Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

Questions

Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process, please email ORISE.ARS.Southeast and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields. The degree must have been received within the past five years.

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree:
  Doctoral Degree
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences – Analytical Chemistry
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences
  • Life, Health, and Medical Sciences
• Veteran Status:
  Veterans Preference for degree received within the last 120 months.

Point of Contact

Sara Beth

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